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Marc his word!
In Chandigarh for the first Indian Diva 2013 audition, Marc went about his job in a flawless fashion. His organisation now represents as many as eight beauty pageants, including Miss Universe. Does it get repetitive after a while? “Well, no! When so many women are around, it can never get boring. For, women by nature are unpredictable, so each audition is different from the previous one,” says Marc. He takes pride that his is one reputed organisation that sieves beauties from different corners of the country and helps them reach out for the stars. With India only second to Venezuela in giving maximum number of Miss World and Miss Universe, do we see the crown coming home any time soon? “Earlier, beauty pageants were the only avenue if one wanted to make it big in glamour and film industry. Today there are so many from talent agencies, television realities shows. So the talent got dispersed among different mediums. Nonetheless, pageants are gaining back the priority once all over again and I am pretty hopeful of India shining all over again on the world map.” So, we come to the obvious question, what does it take to win a crown? “Beauty, beauty and beauty,” laughs Marc, “Beauty is the basic, to win she should be a diva…like she walks in the room and commands attention.” While body can be worked on, weight lost, mannerism acquired, beauty is innate, he insists. Not all who show up at the auditions are divas but worry not. Marc has his eyes open and ears up to find the one who will make a ramp scorcher or a fine actor. “My phone doesn’t stop ringing. Right from Karan to Sanjay to Sajid are looking for new faces and we are the ones with pan India presence to identify and groom the fresh faces. When stakes are so high and competition is fierce, does it get vicious at times? “It does among the contestants but I stay away and let them sort out themselves. And, they do for they are pretty much focussed on their dreams.” Work aside, Marc has the company of women at home too — a pretty wife and two daughters. Does his wife get bothered by his work profile? “Well, does she have a choice,” he chuckles. An active sports person, he plays football regularly. Also, to eat in moderation is his mantra! mona@tribunemail.com
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A villain much loved
A beautiful mind He was a complete actor and a complete man. He excelled on screen and in real life too. He was so fond of poetry, music and shayari. He was the one who would sit through the day on the sets whether it was his scene or not, 'we are paid for this so we need to be on duty', he would say. When Raj Kapur's Mera Naam Joker flopped, Pran Saheb told him, 'Tu mera dost hai, main teri agli film 1 rupay main karunga' and he kept his promise in Bobby. Vijay Tandon, actor, filmmaker
Chandigarh connection Long back Pran saheb would visit Ram Darbar, Chandigarh every year for Ammi Ji's sufiana mehfil. He was a huge fan of qawwali. Pran saheb har film main pran foonk dete the. Be it making smoke rings of cigarette on screen or the dialogue in Kashmir Ki Kali in which he addresses Sharmila Tagore, "Shatale shatale shamay aane par shab kush maloom ho jayega," each one of us have fond memories of him. Vinod Sharma, TV and theatre artiste
The unforgettable I was introduced to the word 'villain' by Pran saheb. And a handsome one at that. Women could not help but romanticise about him. He was so real in all his films. I would often sing Hum bolega to bologe ke bolta hai with thumb puppet in his manner. His on-screen memories are still so fresh in mind and will always be. He was also related to my extended family and they say he carried on the smile till very last, that's what we will all remember him by. Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari, actor & costume designer
Hero worship Pran was a fine actor. A villain as much loved as a mainstream hero. We have grown up watching phenomenal films like Zanjeer, Don, Madhumati and he was an essential part of those films. He was one villain we all loved. His versatility as an actor, his dialogue delivery, the characters he played, there was a dignity even in his negative roles. Zanjeer remains my favourite film of his. It was a huge hit with equal contribution from Amitabh Bachchan and Pran. Mitul Dikshit, director, Dikshant International School
Actor par excellence He was one actor who could portray an emotion, negative or positive, with an equal ease. He wanted to be a cinematographer but excelled as an actor. In our school days we would go to see Pran saheb’s acting. His name would roll with the hero and many a times, he enjoyed more screen presence than his co-actors. He commanded unprecedented respect in the industry. An honest actor he was and an honest human being. He was an irreplaceable actor of that era! GS Channi, theatre person
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The chosen one
Shruti Tuli wore the crown for Indian Diva finalist 2013. From Amritsar, Shruti is a media student who has been living the dream of winning the crown for long now. “I have put in my heart and soul in this.
From daunting diet to losing sleep over the tough competition, it’s been a considerable journey,” says Shruti.
Some faces fall; others look away at a lost dream, Marc Robinson cheers up the girls. Even if they did not win the crown, they might get a call for some audition his team deems them fit for. “It’s been fair. The best girl won,” says Gurbani, from Ambala. |
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Designer element
Your sense of style I prefer to bring out style in sober colours, keeping suitability and the occasion in mind. The latest treasure in your belongings? A one-piece jumpsuit from Cargo. Your style icon would be? Kareena Kapoor Khan any day. Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity around? I think everybody is well dressed. Brand freak or a street pick ups? Not at all brand conscious, anything suitable would do. Your take on accessories? I love accessories especially the funky metal ones. Sporty chic or glamorous? Glamorous for me. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension? Wearing shorts does not gel with me. What gives you a high on the confidence level? When I am able to design well I feel good and confident. — As told to Poonam Bindra
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Tapping the market
After earning a doctoral degree with major in marketing and double minors in psychology and quantitative analysis from Louisiana Tech University, USA, Dheeraj Sharma set out to teach marketing research at numerous education institutions in North America, Europe and Asia only to return to his roots, India. He is currently on the faculty of Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and has been involved in several consulting projects with various multinational corporations, including Ministry of Defence, Delhi Government, Gujarat Government, and Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.
In Chandigarh on Friday, Dheeraj Sharma waxes eloquent about his book, MKTG, which he has co-written with Professor Charls W Lamb, Joe F Hair, and Carl Mc Daniel. "The book tenders a different dimension and perspective to the marketing and management scenario in India. Considering that India follows the marketing principles of the North West, even when most of the concepts don't apply to the Indian market, it was important to come up with a book that details the market principles in accordance with the Indian market," shares Sharma. "The contents of the book include several case studies and a series of topics that will benefit the consumer and the seller.”
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Time frame
Every picture has a story that is aching to be told and as the Chinese proverb goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, the ones at the Punjab Kala Bhawan explore rather vividly, the socio-economic and political scenario while challenging the complacent historical platitudes.
"The exhibition, Lived Stories, Everyday Lives are the images from private collection across South Asia, including personal contributors, Punjab Digital Library, Liberation War Museum (Dhaka), Tasveer Ghar (Delhi), Three Blindmen Photography (Colombo) and Nepal Picture Library. The project has been launched by the HRI Institute for South-Asian Research and Exchange and is aimed at creating a better understanding of regional history and the state of archives that sustain it," says Diljit Ami. While you walk your intellect across the gallery, with your aesthetics leashed to your senses, your head oscillates from one corner to another attempting to catch a glimpse of historic moments, which gaze enticingly at you. The collection weaves a colourful mosaic of memories with the ink of rich cultural and political history that is significant to the region and its people. The exhibition features a photograph, Eating out, from the calendar art of the 1950s, drawing much attention to the 'eating out culture' that emerged from the post-colonial idea of women emancipation. The exhibition also showcases images of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's letters, which he wrote to his wife, Alyas, while he was serving his imprisonment period at the Hydrabad jail and some of the most exquisite and rare pictures from Phulwari, a Punjabi magazine, which is considered as the region's liturgical genius. While Bata's first print ad that appeared in the newspapers in the early 60s dons the walls of the gallery, giving much insight into the economic upsurge during that era, photographs like The Departing Solider (1911), Home Is Where The Train Is (1947), Postcard: The Europian War and The Young Husband Mission (The British attack on Tibet in 1903) describe the pain of separation and warfare. Pictures like Kamra-e-Faroee and Cameraman to Cleaner showcase the box camera, while the War of Liberation photographs detail on the loss of humanity and manpower, especially the picture of a four-month-old girl's shirt's photo that was clicked by her father, while she lost her life because of the Pakistani army crushed her.
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For taste and health
Venky's XPRS restaurant stands for exotic taste and health as all the items on the menu are simply grilled or roasted. General manager Santosh Dissuza says, "We are committed towards our customers and try to provide the best of chicken and other dishes at reasonable price." — TNS
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A whiff of Florence
Maurizio is a professional pizza chef and popular at numerous gastronomical circuits, including the "College Cocorum" Federaziobe of Italian Cooks, "Cap d'Oro" Cooks Regional Union of Toscani, Vice President of Chefs Association Fiorentini. Florentine cuisine is closely associated with the Brunelleschi's cathedral, Santa Maria Del Flore, also known nas Duomo, which dates back to the 13th century. The Florentine cuisine evolved at that time, when workers working on the dome would cook this special cuisine for themselves in earthen pots placed in front of the mouth of the brick kiln's furnace. Maurizio would be serving the authentic Italian recipe of Florentine combo in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties, which includes pie with broccoli in pecorino cheese sauce, pasta with fresh tomato sauce with basil, peposo of impruneta (mutton), fiorentine eggplants (veg), marinated vegetables and cantuccini of prato. On till July 17
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Cool cones
The CITCO, in association with Chandigarh Tourism, is celebrating the World Ice cream Day by organising a two-day Yippie Ice-cream Festival at Sukhna Lake.
The venue is being decked up with a huge frontal gate depicting the ever popular Micky Mouse with huge ice-cream cone.
The main attraction of the festival is the life size dream ice-cream cup of 20 feet height inviting youngsters and ice-cream lovers to mark the World Ice-cream Day. An ice-cream eating contest is being held at 6.30 pm where first 50 entrants are invited to gulp down the half litre ice-cream in two minutes.
One can enjoy all flavours of ice- creams, traditional as well as reputed brands. The festival has participation from international brands like London Diary, Baskin Robbins, Giani's, Gelato etc in addition to special traditional ice-creams like chuskee, matka kulfi, ishar kulfi of Kalka, freshly fruit churned ice-creams from Ambala and many more. — TNS Concludes today.
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Fabulous five
Five Royal Enfield riders were flagged off from Chandigarh for a journey to the Indo-Pak border at Wagah on the iconic Bullet 500 motorcycles. The five member contingent will first reach
Am
ritsar and then head to the Wagah border to witness the 'Change of Guards' ceremony. The riders will return back to Chandigarh on the evening of July 14. The five riders are Abhishek Joshi, Siddhant Walia, Abhishek Rai from New Delhi; Tarbrinder Singh from Amritsar and Tarun Chawla from Noida. The riders were selected after an online contest where the participants had to suggest an appropriate ending to the Bullet 500 graphic novel.
The graphic novel traces the life of a young man who was impressed by the vintage Bullet 500 owned by his grandfather who was a retired Army officer. The young protagonist grows up to join the Army. This graphic novel illustrates his journey through a story as he finds himself face to face with the Bullet 500 in its new avatar associates with the same. His adventures on the Bullet 500 lead him into a situation where the story reaches a crossroad where the contest was thrown open to people to find a logical end to his story. The contest was promoted extensively on Facebook and Twitter. — TNS
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Aashka playing with fire
Our source informs us, "Bhatiyani puts kapoor on her hand to pray for Pratap's life and lets it burn till she faints. The director and rest of the team were a little worried about having Aashka do this scene but the actress insisted on doing it without a fight master." When we contacted Aashka, she confirmed, "Yes we have been shooting some very interesting scenes and in fact the story will be taking some crazy twists and turns." Quite brave, Aashka! hot shot: Aashka Goradia
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Frozen in time
Discovery Kids ignites the imagination of young viewers by taking them way back in time with its new animated series, Dinofroz. Set in the prehistoric era of dinosaurs and dragons, the series follows the adventures of four children who stumble upon a mysterious board game that transports them into another time and dimension where they become dinosaurs! Now, it's up to these kids to protect the other dinosaurs and powerful Rockfroz from the evil king of dragons, all while balancing their life in the present. Starting from July 22, Dinofroz airs every afternoon at 2 pm and repeats at 7 pm on Discovery Kids.
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Hunar returns
Break even: Human Ali
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Rucha adds to negativity
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Kiss and tell
How did you start writing? It was in my early twenties when I wrote my first poem—about a handsome man. As a kid, I used to read a lot right from Akbar to Snow White stories. I always had a passion for writing. Who motivates you to write? My father Rajendra Desai always motivates me. Writing helps me to vent out all my pent-up emotions. Writing this book has lightened my heart and mind and made me more focused about the future. What’s keeping you busy? The past year has been a time to evolve, learn and unlearn a lot of things in life. So this year I feel like a grown up person. Plus my first book is out online…so it's another achievement. What languages do you speak? I am fluent in Marathi and Gujrati but I also want to learn French. What about making a comeback on TV again? Well, acting will never take a back seat. However, I am just waiting for the right role because I don’t want to just shed tears in front of the camera for 15 hours. What are your favourite books? Love Story, The Bridges of Madison County and The Fifty Shades trilogy. Any plans of making these poems into songs? Yes. While writing these poems, I realised they would make for lovely songs. I don't know how I'll be able to pursue making an English album in India. But I'll try. In the meanwhile, I want to consider writing lyrics for Bollywood movies because songs are an integral part of Indian society.
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All geared up
The lead actors of this movie are Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D' Cruz. The item song has been composed by Pritam and is choreographed by Bosco Caeser. A popular stylist has also been asked to design costumes for this song. Our source informs, "Nargis is quite excited with this new project. She has been watching other item songs and getting inspiration for those killer moves. With this item song, Nargis Fakhri will be presented in a different avatar." Earlier, Nargis was offered to do an item song in director Punit Malhotra's movie Gori Tere Pyaar Mein. Meanwhile, she has signed a contract with Akshay Kumar's production house Hari Om Productions. Her next movie Madras Café will be released in 2013. She has two movies slated for 2014, Main Tera Hoon and the remake
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The shuttle queen!
Beauty must-have
Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian says she always keeps blotting paper and powder in her handbag to make sure her skin stays shine-free. The 29-year-old Keeping up with the Kardashians star also likes to have a pair of sunglasses handy, reported a website. "I always carry powder and blotting papers for big nights out - they can be lifesavers. Always carry a huge pair of sunglasses," Khloe said. The socialite also said that she always opts for a natural look in the summer rather than heavy makeup. "There's no need to wear a full face of makeup and stilettos all day every day. I think if you are sporting a healthy summertime glow, you can definitely wear less makeup. I tend to go lighter on the foundation and just throw on a great lip shade,” Khloe said. —PTI
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Shah Rukh, so far
On Chennai Express Shooting for the film was one of the best 150 days of my life and it feels great speaking about the experience I had. The film is beyond whatever I've ever done till now. It's full of twisted turns and is a complete fun film. Journey of a train I used to travel a lot via trains and the most important thing I have learnt is to always give your seat to a lady for they can fight for that awfully. Now I don't get a chance to travel by train often. The last time I traveled by train was when I did the popular song Chhaiya Chhaiya. One journey that I clearly remember was when I earned Rs 50 for participating in a Pankaj Udhas show in Delhi. My two friends and I went to visit the Taj Mahal with the money I earned. Coming together Since I was her first co-star, I was protective of her. After Om Shanti Om, we had decided to do a film only when we have an awesome script and Chennai Express was the perfect opportunity to come together again. She has grown as an actor. I think she has indeed done a marvelous job in the film, especially with her South Indian accent. Being Rohit Shetty In the course of the film, I became very fond of director Rohit Shetty and his style of work. He's someone who is really organised and talented and knows what he wants from his actors. His dishum dishum style is fun and unlike what it looks on screen, it's safe and gentle to work with him.
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Rani’s bold statement
Incidentally, Juara is also behind the macho and fit look of Farhan Akhtar in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Mardaani is supposed to be a raw and gritty film. It is said that the film will be the boldest film till date from the YRF stable. It is likely to go on floors by this year end (2013). Coming soon: Rani Mukerji
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Slipping on the red carpet
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The story of the shoes
While in the making…
Dalip Tahil plays Jawaharlal Nehru in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. He met the real Milkha to understand the equation between the sportsman and the prime minister. Milkha and Nehru were quite close. Milkha Singh is very impressed with the movie.
On his own
Salman Khan has asked Arbaaz Khan to make movies without him and carve his own space as a director and as a producer. So his next film will be directed by newcomer Abhishek Dogra, who has assisted R Balki in the past, and will not star Salman Khan.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Today love and travel figure prominently. You can put yourself in the line for a promotion or salary increase. The focus is on pleasure and entertainment. Strong feelings can overwhelm you and distort your sense of perception. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63
TAURUS: Make more of an effort to attain and maintain harmony. Communication on the job will assume greater importance. But you do need to be careful that you do not get caught up in red-tapism. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health.
Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 59 GEMINI: You will meet an interesting person. Remember your resolutions about diet and nutrition. Health problem will slow you down. Take it easy this morning. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself.
Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36 CANCER: Love life is sparklingly beautiful. Enjoy the pleasurable vibes and plan a relaxing day. A friend might try to talk you into doing something you would rather not do. Say no and be done with it.
Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 50 LEO: A piece of good news arriving by mail or phone will cheer you up. Household affairs will continue smoothly. Bizfolk, do not invest your money in hasty deals. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident.
Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 35 VIRGO: Not a good day for shopping. There can be a small get-together at home. A promotion to a management position will trigger self-doubt. A level of anxiety will interfere with your sense of well-being. Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33
LIBRA: Sportsmen, sincerity is the key to success. Club and group activities will occupy your time. Health glows. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Focus on hobbies. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 25 SCORPIO: Working women, take complete rest today. Students, bury your nose in books. Be logical in your thoughts. Housewives, financially you are feeling well secure. Tarot message: Learn from past experience and desist from making a similar mistake again. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 25 SAGITTARIUS: Push routine to one side. Your marital status figures prominently. You are likely fall in love during travel or while attending a conference. Drive carefully. Tarot message: Be determined and boost your self-confidence which will be on trial.
Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 31 CAPRICORN: An auspicious day for purchasing ornaments. Hasty actions can lead to situations best avoided. Keep your wits about you and try to pause if agitated. This will allow your mind to stay on track. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 42 AQUARIUS: There will be opportunities to show off your artistic flare. Loved ones will do what they can to help to solve financial problems. Savour the romantic glow of the morning. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 52 PISCES: The card Six of Wands emphasis on fun, frolics, and social activities. Your effort will not go unnoticed by superiors. Talk with you lover about your future plans and goals. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky
colour: Orange. Magic number: 40
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This is not what he desired, dreamt or wished…yet, he has been doing it for long 25 years. A model- turned-choreographer and presently director Miss India Organisation, Marc Robinson loves his job. And, why not? To constantly travel, be surrounded by young, beautiful women …what else a man can ask for!
If there is one bad man who commanded equal, if not more, respect than a hero (and sometimes even more money), it has to be Pran. He might have left this world, but the characters he played will live on. Hailed both as a spontaneous actor as well as stylised, Pran has been a figure that industry and audiences both looked up to. Our city folks pay tribute to the legend with whom ends an era of cinema…
Friday was a long day for Indian Diva 2013 hopefuls at Bella Vista, Panchkula. Parents, siblings, friends in tow, the contestants waited with abated breath for the winner.
A casual fashionable look is often the result of a structured effort to look attractive and that is what designing is all about. Namrata Wadhawan, a student of INIFD, is striving to master this art.
Venky's XPRS celebrates its first birthday bash at its outlet in Sector 35, Chandigarh. The restaurant is giving special offers to their customers on this special occasion.
Pizzamore, the Italian cuisine restaurant, is organising the Florentine Food Festival.
Pizzamore has invited the 57-year-old chef Maurizio Betti from Italy for the festival, who would be providing a taste of Florence.
Actress Aashka Goradia is enjoying the daring twists and turns which her latest show Maharana Pratap is giving to her.
Hunar Ali, who was last seen in Colors’ Chhal - Sheh Aur Maat, is back on the small screen after a brief hiatus. The cute Punjabi kudi will play a negative role in upcoming show Ek Bhoond Ishqiya.
Rucha Gujarathi, who was last seen in reality series Welcome–Baazi Mehmaan Nawaazi Ki, is all set for a comeback on television. She will be paired opposite Vikas Sethi in an upcoming show for Zee TV, titled Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se. Both of them will have equally powerful roles, and will be the main negative leads on the project. The show will also star Arhaan Behll and Mansi Shrivastava as leads.
Actress Neha Desai whom we have seen in shows like Grahasti and Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki has turned an author. She has penned down her first book—Sweet Kiss Sour Kiss— which is a collection of her urban contemporary poems. She speaks about her book, passion for writing and more…
Nargis Fakhri is all set to show her groovy moves in an item number for an upcoming film Phata Poster Nikla Hero. She will be doing this dance number with Shahid Kapoor.
Kareena Kapoor Khan was in Los Angeles with Saif Ali Khan, where he is shooting his next romantic comedy. She got a call from Dharma Productions and had to come back to shoot a song so she did that and flew back to LA within two days. Jet-setter!
Even at the age of 47, Shah Rukh Khan continues to romance like a youngster and charm his admirers. Now he's back again. But this time as a 40-year-old Rahul in Chennai Express. The film has the actor playing a Mumbaikar, who meets a Tamilian (Deepika Padukone) in a train. Soon sparks start flying between them, leading to a mind boggling roller coaster ride. In a chat, Shah Rukh tells us about the film and more…
Rani Mukerji is on a weight losing spree. She intends to reduce 12 to 13 kgs for Yash Raj Film's Mardaani, in which she plays a police officer for the first time in her career. The actress is training under physical trainer Samir Jaura who is also preparing Priyanka Chopra for the Mary Kom biopic. Juara says, "I'm training Rani for Mardaani as she has to lose around 12 to 13 kgs for the film. Having started training two weeks ago, she has already lost 3 kgs."
Anushka Sharma is a big fan of Madhuri Dixit. She was in Macau, giving interviews to the media on the red carpet and wearing a Roberto Cavalli gown. The moment she heard that Madhuri was dancing live on stage, she ran to make it on time and in the hurry, tore her gown from the hemline. What a pity!
Christian Louboutin has made Priyanka Chopra an exclusive pair of hot pink booties for her new video Exotic. She has met the designer and partied with him on many occasions. She is a big fan of his shoes and he keeps making one-off pieces for her. How lucky is she!